There are so many things that go into buying a new home. While many people are familiar with checking out potential areas like schools and crime, not everyone remembers some of the finer details of choosing a neighborhood.
Neighborhood safety and crime rates should be part of your due diligence when buying real estate.
These factors can impact your family’s enjoyment for years to come. When making such a significant investment, you’ll want to know that no external forces could ruin it.
How to pick a neighborhood is something that some home buyers don’t give much thought to because of how wrapped up they get in thinking about what they want in a home.
When looking for a new neighborhood, one of the most important factors is safety. Ensuring your family’s safety is crucial for a peaceful and secure living environment.
From many years of experience selling real estate, it becomes vital to know how to check an area’s crime rate. Crime mapping and ratings are a significant indicator whether it will be a good place to live.
Here are several key indicators to help you determine if a neighborhood is safe:
11 Noteworthy Facts and Statistics
1. Crime statistics can provide insights into the safety of a neighborhood.
2. High rates of vandalism and burglary are good indicators of a bad neighborhood.
3. Well-maintained public spaces and infrastructure can indicate a safe area.
4. A strong community presence and engagement can contribute to neighborhood safety.
5. Access to quality schools and healthcare facilities is often associated with safer neighborhoods.
6. Lighting, security systems, and visible law enforcement presence can enhance the perceived safety of an area.
7. Studies show that areas with an average of 2.4 police officers per 1,000 residents have lower crime rates.
8. Approximately 95% of neighborhoods with well-maintained parks and recreational areas experience lower crime levels.
9. Research indicates that neighborhoods with a surveillance camera density of at least 0.8 cameras per acre have seen a 67% decrease in reported crimes.
10. Communities with a strong neighborhood watch program report a 92% reduction in property crimes compared to those without active programs.
11. Analysis reveals that areas with an average income disparity of less than 25% exhibit significantly lower rates of violent crimes.
How to Determine Neighborhood Safety and Crime Rate
Crime Ratings
1. Crime rates: When you want to understand if a neighborhood is safe, you must research statistics. Start by looking up the crime rates in the area you are interested in.
Look for statistics on both violent crimes (such as assault and robbery) and property crimes (such as burglary and theft).
Most cities have websites or local police departments that provide this information. Pay attention to any significant increase or decrease in crime rates over the years, as this can be a good indicator of the neighborhood’s safety.
Pride of Ownership
2. Well-maintained properties: Another strong indicator of neighborhood safety is people taking pride in their homes. A neighborhood that is well-maintained and shows pride of ownership is often safer.
Look for houses with well-kept yards, neatly trimmed lawns, and little to no signs of vandalism.
Neglected homes and abandoned properties indicate a declining neighborhood, which may increase crime risk. Another common trait of neighborhoods with higher crime rates and safety concerns is condemned housing.
Realtors often refer to these houses as stigmatized properties.
An Abundance of Street Lighting
3. Street lighting: Adequate street lighting is essential for safety, especially during nighttime. Take a walk around the neighborhood after dark to assess the visibility and illumination of the streets.
Well-lit areas tend to deter criminal activity and provide a sense of security for residents. Dark and dingy areas foster higher crime activity.
Neighborhood Look Out
4. Neighborhood watch programs: Research if the community has an active neighborhood watch program. These programs involve residents collaborating with local law enforcement to prevent crime and maintain security.
A neighborhood with an active watch program demonstrates a proactive approach to safety and indicates a strong sense of community. Crime statistics are usually lower when residents are not afraid to speak up.
Ample Public Services
5. Public services and amenities: Well-maintained parks, recreational facilities, and community centers can also contribute to the overall safety of a neighborhood. These spaces encourage community engagement and provide opportunities for residents to come together, reducing the likelihood of crime.
Quality School Systems
6. Schools and educational institutions: The quality of schools in a neighborhood is often an indicator of its safety. Research the performance and reputation of the local schools to gauge the community’s overall well-being.
Safe and well-managed schools indicate a neighborhood that prioritizes the safety and welfare of its residents.
Police Presence is Excellent
7. Local law enforcement presence: Take note of the visibility and accessibility of local law enforcement in the neighborhood. Frequent patrols, police stations nearby, and a sense of cooperation between residents and law enforcement can contribute to the area’s safety.
Remember that no neighborhood is entirely immune to crime, and it's essential to do your research. Areas with a constant police presence influence lower crime rates.Click To TweetHow to Check The Crime Rate in an Area
Checking the crime rate in a specific area is essential for anyone looking to move to a new neighborhood or city. Fortunately, several reliable ways exist to access this information and make informed decisions.
Here are a few methods to check the crime rate in an area:
The Police
1. Local Police Department: Start by contacting the local police department in the area you are interested in. You’ll be able to get a record of the police incidents in your area. They can provide you with crime statistics, including recent events and trends.
Police departments often have community liaison officers who can answer any questions and offer suggestions on crime prevention.
From experience as a real estate agent, the police will be who you will want to contact when researching sexual offenders in a neighborhood.
If you have children, checking for sex offenders should be a priority. It will give you peace of mind that your kids will be safer.
You can also check for sexual predators at Family Watchdog.
Research Crime Maps
2. Online Crime Mapping: Many police departments now offer online crime mapping tools that allow users to visualize and search for crime data in specific areas.
These tools typically provide information on theft, burglary, assault, or drug-related incidents. You can access a map showing the location and details of reported crimes by inputting an address or neighborhood.
Online Research
3. Online Databases: Numerous online platforms provide access to crime data, allowing you to compare crime rates between different areas. Websites like NeighborhoodScout, AreaVibes, or SpotCrime aggregate data from multiple sources, including law enforcement agencies, and present it as user-friendly.
You’ll be able to get neighborhood safety ratings with a bit of due diligence.
These platforms often include additional information like school ratings, demographics, and amenities to help you make a well-rounded decision.
Local News
4. Local News Sources: Stay updated with local news outlets, as they often report on crime incidents in specific areas. Local newspapers, TV stations, or news websites may have dedicated sections or resources that cover crime statistics or recent criminal activities.
You can understand the crime rate and ongoing security concerns by watching these sources.
Remember, while checking the crime rate is essential, it is equally vital to consider other factors like the overall quality of life, amenities, and personal preferences when choosing a new area to live in.
By combining various sources of information, you can make a more informed decision about the safety and suitability of a particular neighborhood or city.
How Do You Check Crime By Address?
1. Visit the website of your local police department: Most police departments have an online presence and provide access to crime data. Search for the website of your local police department or the law enforcement agency responsible for the area you are interested in.
2. Look for the crime statistics or crime map section: Once on the website, navigate to the crime reports or crime map section. This is where you will find information about reported crimes in specific areas.
3. Enter the address: In the crime statistics or crime map section, you will typically find a search bar where you can enter an address or a specific location. Type in the address you want to check.
4. Explore the data: After entering the address, you will likely be presented with various types of crime data, such as the number and types of reported crimes, crime trends, and sometimes even information about specific incidents. You can usually filter the data by time frame (e.g., last month, last year) or by specific types of crimes.
5. Understand the information: Take the time to understand the data. Pay attention to the types of crimes reported, how recent the data is, and whether there are any specific trends or patterns in the area.
It’s important to note that crime rates can vary depending on the location and the specific timeframe you are looking at.
Additionally, online crime data may not always reflect the most current information, so it can be helpful to contact your local police department directly for the most up-to-date data or any additional information you may need.
What is a Neighborhood Safety Tracker?
A neighborhood safety tracker is a tool or system that helps monitor and track the safety conditions in a specific neighborhood or community.
It typically collects and analyzes data on various safety indicators such as crime rates, accidents, incidents, and other relevant information.
The tracker may provide real-time updates, historical data, and visual representations of the safety situation in the neighborhood. It aids residents, law enforcement, and local authorities identify trends, address safety concerns, and implement appropriate measures to improve community safety.
Other Things to Consider About a Neighborhood
Understand Local Laws
Most communities have bylaws that dictate what can and cannot be done there. Depending on where you settle down, the rules may drastically differ from what you are currently used to.
There may be restrictions on where you can park, what kind of vehicles you can keep on your property, and what you can do to the land you will own.
Know these laws before you take over ownership. In many neighborhoods, these are what’s known as “protective covenants.” Some people like to refer to them as restrictive covenants.
If you are moving into a classy neighborhood where all the homes are well-kept, and the lawns are tightly manicured, the last thing you want is a few rotten eggs who move in and ruin the party.
This is avoided by having protective covenants to prevent homeowners from doing certain things. A few examples of protective covenants are:
- No storing commercial vehicles on the property.
- No raising of livestock, including animals like chickens or goats.
- Not being able to paint your home purple.
Most people would not want these things if their neighborhood had been established to have a specific look and feel.
Research The Homeowners Association
Depending on where you go, the homeowner’s association may provide some valuable services or be the bane of your existence. HOAs run the gamut, from professional and caring organizations to corrupt, inefficient, and sometimes even petty overlords.
Before agreeing to join, you need to know what you are getting into with these groups. Ask neighbors, read up on local news stories, and do your homework on any HOA you are considering.
Understand the HOA fees and what they cover.
Research is vital when buying into a homeowners’ association. I know many buyers who thought they wanted to own a condo but later regretted their decision strictly because of the HOA.
Debbie Drummond, a Las Vegas real estate agent, gives excellent advice in her article about deciding whether an HOA is right for me. Debbie takes us through some outstanding examples of what you should think about when looking at neighborhoods with an HOA and those without.
When picking a neighborhood to live in, getting your priorities straight is imperative, especially regarding safety and crime.
Taxes and Insurance
The area you are moving to may handle taxes differently than you are used to. This can result in an unpleasant surprise after living in your new home for a while.
You were expecting a certain amount and find that you owe a lot more than with your previous home.
This can be especially true if you are moving to a different city or state. Read up on what living in the new area means regarding taxes. This can also be an issue with your car insurance.
Living in your new area may cost you more when your car insurance bill comes due.
You can always appeal your real estate taxes if you feel you are being taxed more than your neighbors and shouldn’t be. Just be sure you are prepared to defend why you believe you are being taxed unfairly.
Significant Noise Levels
Peace and quiet are usually a good indicator of safety. Sometimes, perception is reality.
One neighborhood may be a whole lot noisier than another. Some things can lead to this, from highways, busy city streets, pedestrian traffic, nearby stadiums and event centers, and trains.
You want to know about these noises before you purchase the home.
Some people are okay with a bit of noise to have closer access to the things they enjoy, but others cannot stand all the racket. Be realistic about what you can get used to and can’t.
Without a doubt, homes with a large volume of noise are more challenging to sell than those without. Given this, the appreciation rate is also less. These are all things to consider while living in the home and when it comes time to sell.
Entertainment Venues
Being close to the things you enjoy means you can do more. If you love hiking, you should live closer to the trails you enjoy. If you love concerts, are you moving close to where they happen?
Prioritizing this kind of stuff is okay. Not every moment is spent working, shopping, and maintaining your home. You deserve to enjoy yourself, so make sure you live near the things you want to do.
Appropriate Internet Service
Broadband access has become a necessity for most people. Unless you are an exception, ensure the area you buy has good connectivity. You may be surprised to discover that your internet options are few and far between the further out of town you get or even in some new suburban developments.
Living with slow internet speeds is more complex than you might imagine – especially if you are part of the new wave of tech-savvy users.
Excellent Cell Phone Service
One of my biggest pet peeves as a real estate agent is entering an area with limited cell service. Our cell phones today are little mini computers. They are the lifeblood of our business to function correctly.
With so many people working out of the home today and giving up landlines, it is imperative to know that cell phone coverage is excellent.
If I were picking a neighborhood to live in, this would be one of the first things I would check!
Walk-ability
Another favorite reason to choose a neighborhood is walkability. This is increasingly becoming a priority for many people, and new developments reflect this. However, some folks may be afraid to walk the streets in areas with high crime. Who can blame them?
People want to be able to walk to their favorite coffee shop, the grocery store, and a nice restaurant. They may not want to walk all the time, but it is nice to have the option. Neighborhood safety can be a deterrent.
Unfortunately, there are far more housing developments where walking is limited to a stroll around your isolated island of homes. Some people are okay with this. Ensure you are one of them before buying in an area with a low walkability score.
In many locales, there is clear evidence that walkability drives real estate values. If you are new to an area, figuring out the walkability of a particular neighborhood may be difficult.
You can use a great tool called Walk Score that checks an area’s walk score for this. Use this tool to find out how far it is from what you enjoy most.
Bike Access
Perhaps bicycling is more your style? Many housing options put you in ideal biking distance from your favorite activities.
Some cities are increasing the number of bike lanes available and doing what they can to encourage bicycling. If this is important to you, check out your new place’s bike riding options.
Even if it is not walking-friendly, it may be perfect for riding. Milford, Massachusetts, is one of the towns in my area that has put together a fantastic biking and walking trail for the public to use.
It encompasses a few local communities and is extremely popular with exercise enthusiasts. The feature is extremely well received from my experience and observing so many others using it.
Proper Lighting
If you prefer to sleep in the dark, you may want to verify that this is an option in the home you are looking at. Street lights, traffic lights, parking lot lights – numerous light sources could make your nights much brighter than you would prefer.
Granted, you can purchase thick curtains that will block out most of the light – but why put yourself through that if you don’t have to? Plenty of neighborhoods value darkness just as much as you do.
On the other hand, you may prefer a well-lit area that lends itself better to safety. This is yet another one of those neighborhood details that one set of buyers may prefer and others not so much.
Gardening Options
You may want to grow your garden or raise some chickens for fresh eggs. Make sure that this will be an option before you move, though. Many neighborhoods have strict rules on the kind of animals you can keep and what you can do with your yard.
Conclusion
As mentioned previously, what you may find necessary for your neighborhood could be another person’s nightmare. Researching your preferred features in a neighborhood is a smart move!
As you can see, there are a lot of details to consider when choosing a neighborhood. Do your research wisely, and you will likely become a happy camper!
When safety and crime rates are paramount to your decision, due diligence will be vital.
About the Author: Bill Gassett, a nationally recognized leader in his field, provided information on how to tell if a neighborhood is safe with lower crime. He is an expert in mortgages, financing, moving, home improvement, and general real estate.
Learn more about Bill Gassett and the publications he has been featured in. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-625-0191. Bill has helped people move in and out of Metrowest towns for the last 38+ years.
Are you thinking of selling your home? I am passionate about real estate and love sharing my marketing expertise!
I service Real Estate Sales in the following Metrowest MA towns: Ashland, Bellingham, Douglas, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Natick, Northborough, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Sutton, Wayland, Westborough, Whitinsville, Worcester, Upton, and Uxbridge MA.
